Communications

This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10) for a copy of the following records:

Copies of written and electronic complaints and challenges for removal, reclassification, or other reconsideration of publications including books, magazines, movies, websites (e.g. filtered from library computers), or other media from January 1, 2010, to present, as well as records, petitions, and correspondence related to these challenges.

We seek such records as, for example, are classified by the Massachusetts’ Supervisor of Public Records Municipal Records Retention Manual under Section 17.004: Complaint and Censorship Records, though we do not limit our request to those so classified.

According to 950 CMR 32.06(5), every custodian of records is encouraged to waive fees where disclosure would benefit the public interest, as we believe these will. This request is part of a research project by the Center for Civic Media to better understand how and why library materials are challenged in the State of Massachusetts. We are committed to open access and plan to make our findings broadly available to the public. If fees cannot be waived please inform me in advance.

We ask that, if possible, you please respond via email with text documents or clear, high-quality scanned PDFs. If you cannot reply electronically, please mail us the best quality copies you reasonably can. Your efforts helps us ensure broad accessibility and equity.

The statute requires your response to this request within 10 business days. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping us better understand this important aspect of the work that you do. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any further questions.

Dear Mr. Peterson, upon checking with staff and reviewing records, therehave been no written complaints, challenges or requests for re-considerationor removal of any item since January 2010. There have been a few verbalqueries, verbally resolved.

E-mail sent or received via the Town of Pembroke/Pembroke Public Librarynetworks are subject to disclosure under the Massachusetts Public RecordsLaw (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10) and the Federal Freedom of InformationAct. However, portions of this message, including any attachments, may beconfidential, legally privileged and/or exempt from disclosure pursuant toMassachusetts Law (M.G.L. Chapter 78, Section 7).It is intended solely for the addressee. If you received this in error,please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer underyour control.